My 2012 Culinary Bucket List

04 Jan My 2012 Culinary Bucket List

It’s January. Has been for a few days. I know I’m a bit late with this but, oh well, here goes anyway…

Every year I swear to myself I will post more often. I will get better at my photos. I’ll be a better blogger. These vague goals slip through my fingers like typos on a smartphone. Last year I promised, “I’m not going to let Life derail me again.” Hmmmm. That one’s still on the table.

Instead of chastising myself for the missteps, I’ve decided to look back at some of the things I’ve learned since starting this blog. The things that brought me a sense of accomplishment. The things I have carried forward into my culinary life on a regular basis. Baby step by baby step, I’ve reclaimed the kitchen. I now simmer my own chicken stock, whip up salad dressings from what’s hanging out in the fridge, churn unbelievably rich ice cream, and make a scratch version of rum cake that should be served with a breathalyzer. I’ve conquered my fear of pastry to the point where I am riffing on galettes like I knew what I was doing. Even better? I’m no longer ashamed to serve my chocolate truffles to guests in good lighting, and boast to anyone who will listen about the the red and white wine jellies in my pantry — made with my very own apple pectin. Hell, I’ve even served homemade eggnog at Christmas AND turned it into ice cream. Ho ho ho.

What’s on for 2012? Besides a wing and a prayer, I’ve set my sights on a few items. As you can see, my list is not very long or all that exotic. No item here is based on a dare or uses one-upmanship as the key ingredient. There will be no roast suckling pig, no homemade sausage or artisanal cheese. I will not be dabbling in molecular gastronomy or flambéing anything — at least not intentionally. This is just a list of things I want to make in the next year. Some are here because I can’t find a decent ready-made version. I want to tackle a few to save money (says the woman who spent $112 so she could make cinnamon ice cream). And others are listed for the best reason of all — Just Because.

Charmian’s Bucket List

(In no particular order, to be completed by December 31, 2012. Author reserves the right to revise on a whim.)

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I’ve made pasta once. It was infinitely superior to the cardboard from a bag. (Note to self: dinner for tonight just solved.)
I’d like to try to make profiteroles this year. I want to perfect my mom’s butter tart recipe since the tart pans have (literally) been passed to me. Mine tasted okay but were butt ugly.
Buttermilk ranch dressing and other homemade creamy dressings are on my list for this year too.
Happy new year Charmian!

Preserved lemons have been on my hit list, as well. However I have no real clue what to do with them once they’re made, hence why they’re still on the back burner. This year I hope to make sausage (bulk, not links, well maybe links…).

Robin Smart

John can do sourdough bread better than any other. Please keep us in mind for tasting when you get to that item on the list. Way to go with choices you really care about, but I think your list need “Turtle ice cream”.
Love,
Robin

I’ll keep you in mind for sourdough tasting. It could be a while since I’m not sure about the starter. Fridge space is dear.

I’ve added your Turtle Ice Cream to my list. I’ll see if I can make something for John’s birthday. No promises, but it’s a great excuse to do some serious turtle research. Let’s see, chocolate, caramel, pecans…

Judith Rutty Godfrey

I adore your culinary bucket list! Don’t make preserved lemons as I can buy them so inexpensively but they are delicious chopped up for tuna salad, chicken salad, regular salad, etc. Crackers, that’s my choice. The type that go so well with a glass of wine and a bit of cheese WITHOUT all the salt and sugar in processed ones. I’ll keep you posted.